Programming and controlling a linear actuator

Help & Support Robot Parts
1

Hi im new to this forum and im doing a project right now and i am in need of some help.
im building a device that is using a linear actuator to raise and lower a door. robotshop.com/15-stroke-mini-track-actuator-35lbs-force.html i want to use this slide actuator. i will have one button to control all movements. what i need it to do is stay raised, then when the button is pressed, the door lowers all the way and then raises itself back up automatically and stays in the up position. i need it to lower at a controlled speed also. the speed is half an inch a second. would this controller work
robotshop.com/pololu-18v7-7a-motor-controller-4.html with this micro controller. ardruino leonard. robotshop.com/arduino-leonardo-microcontroller-headers.html would this arduino controll that motor controller and would i be able to controller the speed of the linear actuator smoothly. or would it be jumpy or notchy at a slower speed? its rated for 2 inches per second. in the ardruino programming i can tell it to lower until it reaches a sensor and then raise all the the way back up to another sensor? i was thinking with this kit. robotshop.com/firgelli-electric-actuator-wiring.html

thank you for your help.

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The products you chose all seem to work together. The Linear actuator is rated for 5A max, the motor controller is rated at 7A max, and accepts serial communication, which can be sent via the Leonardo. The motion should be quite smooth. At really slow speeds, the actuator needs to overcome static friction, and since it’s impossible to try every possible setup, we cannot guarantee that it won’t skip or jitter a little. The Arduino would act as the “brain” to read the sensors and send instructions as to the desired speed and direction to the motor controller. It’s up to you to code the microcontroller to have the actuator stop when the sensor is tripped etc.